Most nine year old boys dream about getting new electronic games and new tunes for their birthday. But when Stephen Scherer’s mother, Maria, asked him what he wanted for his ninth birthday, he couldn’t think of a thing he needed. Together, they decided instead to raise money for a local charity. Stephen selected the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton as the beneficiary because he had enjoyed playing soccer and baseball there a few years ago.
The third grader who attends Pine Crest Boca Raton asked his friends and family to give donations in lieu of gifts and, as a result, he recently presented Vicki Pugh, the executive director of the YMCA branch, a check for $830. The funds will be earmarked to provide financial assistance to YMCA after school families who would not otherwise be able to enroll their children in the program.
“I picked the Y because I enjoyed playing sports there and wanted to help other kids in my own community,” said Stephen. “It felt really good to do this.”
“When he got a tour of the new facility, he felt connected and saw what his donation could do to help others,” added his mother, who said each holiday her two children select toys they don’t use any more to donate to charity. The birthday donation was a first, however. “Stephen is very social and loves to share. This was a very easy decision for him.”
“I almost fell over when I opened the envelop and saw how much money Stephen raised,” said Pugh. “This is an impressive gesture for someone so young and one that will enable more kids just like him to enjoy the YMCA.” |
